João Barroso

• Ecological Architecture

• Teaching

• Wellbeing & Massage

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Ecological Architecture

Firmitas Utilitas Venustas

"Architecture begins where engineering ends" Walter Gropius

My path towards Architecture was certainly not a straight one. Many years ago I began studying Nanotechnology Engineering, grinding over it for some years until the courage to quit emerged. It felt like taking a breath of fresh air — letting go of what was not meant for me and choosing to find my soul's expression. So, over one year later, it came to me that what I wanted since childhood was to be an architect. And so it began.

Now I am an architect dedicated to the co-creation of harmonious places, embedded in ecological principles, for people to live long and happy lives.

Which means that I design following Nature's footsteps. This, of course, requires an ongoing observation of Nature itself.

Let me tell you this: to me, Architecture manifests itself in a dialogue with nature, always. So how do we dialogue with Nature? I hope we do it with respect and curiosity; I hope we do it in harmony, in beauty and within the purposefully chosen path of living a Full and Vibrant Life!

“Architecture starts when you carefully put two bricks together. There it begins.” Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Sacred Geometry

Ora et Labora

Choosing to study the Tradition was first presented to me while I was writing my architecture Master's Thesis on the topic of Ecological Architecture. During this academic investigation, the idea gained momentum that true ecology expressed in the built environment would inevitably be a spiritual and symbolic expression, far from green labels and narrow obsessions with carbon footprints (as important as these footprints may be). Art and spirituality, I dared say, were in fact needed for true Ecology to be expressed in our homes and cities and gardens.

So I started investigating temples and what made sacred places sacred — and the Tradition appeared as a path I could choose to take. I took the step, started studying it and then I immediately found that the things my soul wished to express, belonged to its realm, to the Tradition of the Cathedral Builders from Europe, who, for centuries, had been dedicating their work to the glory of Being.

"Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed nomini tuo da gloriam"

Traditional Kung Fu

"Simplicity, patience, compassion. Those are your greatest treasures"...

Tao Te Ching

In a similar way, a decade before, the opportunity to learn this ancient Chinese Tradition appeared in front of me. After a not so pleasant dangerous situation, I decided it was time to learn a martial art. I tried some, but eventually it was in Kung Fu that I found a way to know and express the warrior inside me. Today, still, one at a time, my footsteps walk in the same direction, embodying the Art with every breath.

So what began with the need and motif to learn self-defense, transmuted internally into a deeper search, through a way whose steps can be traced back to the Shaolin tradition. The practice of Kung Fu and Qi Gong has both saved and transformed my life.

Such is my expression.

"In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you." Buddha

Massage Therapy

And The Art of the Loving Touch

Before studying architecture, I had enrolled in some massage, sacred sexuality and erotic touch programs to start learning the Art of the Loving Touch; then I took a professional course on Massage Therapy. So, for many years now and for a closer circle, I have been doing massage therapy sessions (and also teaching massage for couples, more recently).

This also provided me with further study of the human body and a more profound understanding of our nature.

I want to tell you this: over the years now, from a professional architectural perspective, my involvement with massage therapy has deepened a practical sense of what a harmonious and sweet environment should be, one that nourishes your Wellbeing and makes space for Life to flourish.

"You're only one massage away from a good mood"

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Retreats & Mentorship

Now you can see that I am deeply interested in the study of Life in its multiple readings, such is my soul's expression. I live it. Architecture, Sacred Geometry, Traditional Kung Fu, Massage Therapy and Wellbeing, Writing and Music.

Following this, I have been offering a Mentorship Program that blends my knowledge as an architect together with said experience in Wellness and teaching. Because our homes really influence our lives, their designs shape the designs of our lives - and I can help you through with yours.

I also offer immersive Retreats where we experience some of these topics deeply. Nature escapes, Self-defense basics, How to guide our aggressive instincts, Meditation and Qi Gong, The Art of Touch and Architecture Tours are the areas covered.

"In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you." Buddha

Author

Designing spaces, creating worlds for people to live in. (My profession)

Writing articles _ & currently a book. (Great to keep the mind sharp and cultivated)

Writing poetry. (An ocasional pleasure, though aiming for poetry and art in life is aiming for its essence)

Composing music, mainly for the guitar. (I do it as an amateur musician, I do it privately, I do it because I like it)

"To develop a complete mind: Study the science of art; Study the art of science. Learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else."
Leonardo da Vinci(?)

• Ecological Architecture

• Teaching

• Wellbeing & Massage

• Chevron Down

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